1 recipe Sweet and Tangy Roasted Tomatoes (page 27) or two pints of grape or cherry tomatoes, tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and roasted on a foil-lined baking sheet at 425 degrees for 45-60 minutes in the oven

4 ounces/120 grams fresh mozzarella, cut into batons

1/2 cup fresh basil

Directions

Adjust an oven rack to the upper third of the oven and preheat it to 450°F/230°C.

Heat the oil in a medium ovenproof skillet until simmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the quinoa and Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Then, with a rubber spatula, flatten out the quinoa. Reduce the heat to medium and cook about 10 minutes without stirring to allow the quinoa base to crisp.

While the quinoa cooks, season the eggs with salt and pepper and whisk them in a large bowl. Pour the eggs over the quinoa and dollop the roasted tomatoes evenly over the eggs. Arrange the cheese in a circular pattern over the eggs.

Bake until puffed and set, about 10 minutes. Turn the broiler on and broil until the frittata is puffed and golden and the cheese has begun to char, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Top with basil.

QuinoaDomaineLion is available in Morocco in White, in Red, in Black and in TriColor Quinoa

Quinoa

Quinoa is a protein-packed grain with all nine essential amino acids. Use it in salads, alongside beans, or as a breakfast cereal swap. This hearty autumnal quinoa salad is chock-full of cozy fall flavors. To save time, cook the quinoa in advance.

Research.

An international team of scientists, including quinoa breeding experts from Wageningen University & Research, published the complete DNA sequence of quinoa. Quinoa is the food crop that is conquering the world (Nature magazine on 8 February 2017). Quinoa is rich in essential amino acids and nutritional fibres. It does not contain gluten. The crop is important to farmers as it provides a reasonable yield. Even on poor soils. The new knowledge about quinoa DNA is already being used by breeders who are developing quinoa varieties. These grow well in saline soil and still meet the taste requirements of consumers.

DNA

The scientists determined the sequence of the DNA-building blocks of the entire quinoa genome. The total length of the DNA, the ‘genome’, consists over a little over 1.3 billion DNA building blocks (the nucleotides A, C, G or T), divided over 18 chromosomes. Printed on paper this would add up to over 500,000 pages of text.

To map the DNA building blocks, the scientists used a smart combination of various DNA sequencing techniques. While this enabled them to put together ever-larger DNA segments in the computer from the huge amount of DNA information available, it did not lead to the 18 segments which represent the 18 chromosomes. The scientists therefore applied genetic maps that were made by crossbreeding plants to determine how molecular markers were inherited by the offspring. This allowed them to place most of the DNA on 18 large DNA-strains, representing the quinoa chromosomes.

Robert van Loo, expert in quinoa breeding at Wageningen University & Research. He says it was this combination that allowed the scientists to clearly map the DNA. “We were able to determine the location on the chromosome of no less than 85% of the DNA-sequence. This is a major benefit for plant breeders.”

How to cook Quinoa

Quinoa is a brilliant, tasty sub grain, packed with both protein and fibre – and it’s also gluten-free.

Dress simply while still hot with lime or lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and a little sea salt and black pepper, and you’ve got the foundations for a delicious meal. Nutty and fluffy, it’s a great alternative to rice, served with chicken or fish, or livened up with simple, fresh ingredients to make a satisfying salad.

But with so many different grains out there, each with their own cooking method, it can be confusing to know how to cook each one properly for ultimate flavor and texture. Never fear, we’ve got quinoa covered! Follow our easy step-by-step guide below, then check out this quinoa, feta & broad bean salad recipe to turn it into a delicious lunch.

PERFECT QUINOA STEP BY STEP

Rinse the quinoa under cold running water to remove its bitter flavour

Tip into a pan and add double the amount of salted water

Place over a medium heat and bring to the boil

Reduce to a simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and the liquid is absorbed

Fluff it up with a fork, then pimp itYou might have some leftovers? …… Cold, leftover quinoa is a brilliant filler in nut roasts or veggie burgers, too.

Nutrition Information for this meal

How to Make this breakfast

Preheat the oven to 400°.

Place the quinoa in a fine sieve and place the sieve in a large bowl. Then cover the quinoa with water. Use your hands and rub the grains together for 30 seconds. Then rinse and drain the quinoa. Repeat this procedure twice. Drain the quinoa well and combine it with the coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of water, brown sugar and salt in a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed, while stirring occasionally. Stir the mixture constantly during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

While quinoa cooks, spread flaked coconut in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly.

Place about 1/2 cup quinoa mixture in each of 4 bowls. Top each serving with 1/4 cup strawberry slices, 1/4 cup banana slices, and 1 tablespoon toasted coconut. Serve it warm.

Like most whole grains, quinoa is surprisingly filling, but if you need more for breakfast, serve with an egg on the side.